Dear Friends,

Taking time for testimonies

             We just arrived home from a celebration! Five years ago, a group of people that became Faith Baptist Church met for the first time at Geode State Park just outside Danville. Today 40 people joined together to celebrate that beginning as we enjoyed holding our service in the beautiful outdoors. Afterward we shared a wonderful meal and had some fun together. We wish you, who have been such a big part of this church plant, could have been here with us. If you'd like to see pictures of the day, check out the picture gallery on our web site (link is on this page to the left - For More Information). We have been here 2 years now, and are anticipating more of God’s blessings as we begin a new year together with these folks. We’ll be starting it with a free movie night next Sunday giving an opportunity to bring in people who might not come to a regular service.

There is good news to share! A couple of weeks ago, Ed was privileged to lead a man through the Roman’s Road plan of salvation, and a lady in our church was thrilled to lead her out-of-town granddaughter to the Lord. We have been praying for these people as this older man is in poor health and the girl is from a non-Christian home.

The men have enjoyed meeting one Saturday a month for breakfast at our house followed by a Bible study. This past Saturday 9 men came and a 10th had a work emergency or he would have attended. We have seen the Lord really working in the hearts of some of these guys. It is exciting to see them choose to put the Lord first.

We are still meeting at the school, a situation with pros and cons. As time passes, we more and more want/need our own place, but there is nothing available. One man who owns farm land in a great location would trade some acres but doesn’t want income from a sale. A realtor is looking. We’re advertising for land. People are asking others for leads. But so far nothing. There are no buildings to rent, either. We know the Lord will provide just the right place when the time comes, and hopefully that will be soon. Will you please pray with us about this need?

A couple of weeks ago we had a tremendous time at the GARB camp in Minnesota for a week of family camp. Ed was the main speaker and Cheryl told a missionary story to the children each day. They’re a great group of people. As Cheryl is not much of a camper, she was relieved to know there was a nice bathroom in the speakers cabin; she dreads having to cross the grounds to use the “public” showers. But wouldn’t you know? On Tuesday, repair work began on the cabin shower stall and lasted the rest of the week! Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? She survived quite nicely in spite of it, and what a time of blessing—and fun—that week was!

Great catch! (In Daddy's ball glove)

 In our last update we introduced you to our new little grandson Reed. Now, please meet Jagger Deign Bunt who lives in Phoenix. He was not due until August but arrived in June weighing in at 4 lb 14 oz. God truly blessed; the baby was able to go home right away and is doing very well. We can’t wait to get our hands on him! Hopefully we’ll be going out that way soon.

3 weeks old

Tomorrow we'll be heading out for the CBM Family Conference. Ed will be preaching at one of the sessions and we will be doing another session called "CBM LIVE." Please pray that God will use us to be an encouragement to all those attending.

And that’s the news from southeast Iowa!

Joyfully serving,

Ed & Cheryl